My Shelves

Doom With A View - Victoria Laurie

2009-09-26T23:39:00.000-07:00

Doom with a View by Victoria Laurie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ms. Laurie never fails me. When I'm in the mood for a quick witted happily written can't put it down book - I can always pick up one from her Abby Cooper Physic Eye series. After her first six books in the series I was expecting it to die down, and the plot to seem not as thought out, but it was great. I actually had to turn the lamp on to read as it was starting to give me chills. FANTASTIC! I love Dutch and Abby's relationship. I am also happy that she is beginning to develop Abby's PI friend Cat a little more. I hope she continues in this series as I find it one of my favorites that I have read, by FAR! (Besides The Boxcar Children of course).

Eclipse - Stephanie Meyer

2009-09-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love. True Love. I know that sounds crazy but this is my favorite book in the series and I LOVE it. I want to just read this one again. I love the tension the excitement. All in all I thought this was the best written one. I can't say more than that because my summary of this book was love, pure love.

The Debutante Divorcee: Plum Skyes

2009-08-11T11:54:00.001-07:00

The Debutante Divorcee: A Novel by Plum Sykes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I loved the narrator, I thought she brought a wonderful life to the story line. Her voices and her ideas of what each of the characters might sound like I enjoyed. I loved the point of view this book was written from. It bothers me when people pick up a pink book with debutante in the title and critique it for being "vapid and mindless" I for one purchased this book, 1. Because it was pink and 2. Because I wanted a mindless read. And it was fantastic!

I plan on listening to it again, I LOVED IT!

Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married: Marian Keyes

2009-08-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married by Marian Keyes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really enjoy Marian Keyes' different style of writing. She is quick witted, humorous and yet at the same time she is deep and complex. She has a way of keeping things engaging. I was entranced in the first two chapters. This book has both good and bad reviews but I have to say you need to accept it for what it is and not what you want it to be. If you do any reading or thinking at all in your life you figure out in the first couple of chapters who the mystery man is going to be but allow yourself to find out how he comes to be.

I respect the fact that you can see Lucy grow throughout this novel. She begins to change her self image, how she treats herself, and how others treat her. There's a turning point I love in a snooty restaurant where you know there's no going back. I love how she falls in love and the process of it that is outlined in the book. It's friendship before love and love before lust. It's a great book if you really just read it for what it is.

Maybe I too a am hopeless romantic, but I enjoyed this book.

Bullies In The Headlights - Matthew Buckley

2009-05-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

Bullies in the Headlights by Matthew Buckley

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I learned to love those around you no matter how they treat you. I had an experience early on in my life similar to the main character Matthew (who is also the author), not quite the bully one, but similar. My mother always told me growing up not to judge others by their actions as you don't know what they have been through to make them that way. I had a couple experiences with that life lesson and it will forever be ingrained on my mind and in my heart to love those around us as we really have no idea why they are the way they are. I enjoyed this, yet another, book from Matthew Buckley - and I hope that one day he continues to write about the story of his life growing up in a house of 7 boys.

Chickens In The Headlights - Matthew Buckley

2009-05-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Chickens in the Headlights: by Matthew Buckley

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book. I want to listen to it again and buy everyone I know a copy. It is so real, happy, fun, and inspirational. Yes, it is about a 7 year old boy and his family of 6 brothers - so you may ask, "What can I learn from that?" Let me tell you, a lot. I learned to let things go, I learned everything can be enjoyable, and I learned that even though life is hard there are people that surround you that love you and want the best for you. Yes, I have already learned these things in life but the hilarious way this is presented and the love you feel within the book is terrific! From Goats to Bullies from Chickens to Sibling Rivalry it is a great read and I can't wait to read it again. Super clean and amazingly uplifting.

Runaway - Clair Poulson

2009-05-05T10:37:00.001-07:00

Runaway by Clair Poulson

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was actually quite surprised. I have read some of this authors writings before and found myself knowing the end before I finished the first chapter. But this one had decent character depth and plot outline. I was scared with them, laughed with them, and even cried with them. Great clean wholesome read!

Wicked - Gregory Maguire

2009-04-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow. It took me since Christmas to finally get through it. Maguire is very wordy, but his story is so real. I love how he tells the story and how after reading this book I feel for the Wicked Witch of the West, my heart goes out to her. I love her, I cried at the end of the book.

I believe that there are some imaging and references that he puts in that could be left out of the book - but it was an excellent book and I can't wait to read the rest of his works.

A Christmas Carol - Charle Dickens

2009-04-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, and The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Enjoyed it... although I have to say Dickens repeats himself a lot. But it helped me want to be a better person, and I think that that is the purpose of a book and how you know it's good is if it inspires you to be a better/changed person because of it.

The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands - Dr. Laura Schlessinger

2009-03-19T11:26:00.001-07:00

The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Laura C. Schlessinger

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed parts of this book and learned as well about men, somewhat. My husband is always telling me that he is in his 'nothing' box, and after reading this I know understand what that means. A lot of people think Dr. Laura is demeaning I just think she is stating the truth and helping us as women understand that men are well, men. They think differently, act differently, etc. I have learned to understand and think this book has really helped me open my eyes. There were several parts that I wasn't sure about and thought could be construed as mean and demeaning toward men about thier personalities so I had my husband read it and he agreed with her! It is a great book and I'm glad I read it - I should probably reread it at least once a year.

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Forget About It - Cherie Crane

2009-02-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

Forget About It by Caprice Crane

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'm not going to lie it took me almost a year to read this, not because I didn't want to but because I kept losing interest and getting side tracked on another book. But I read it and it's done. I enjoyed the book all in all just took a while to get into it. It has a good plot and story line, I just wish it would have read a little faster. Jordan (main character) has a horrible life; mom that doesn't like her, sister that isn't anything like her, boyfriend that cheats, co-workers that steal her 'thunder' - she gets in an accident and decides she is going to fake amnesia (I know everyone has thought of it at some point). It has some good twists and turns, but not one of my favorites.

New Moon - Stephanie Meyer

2008-12-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was excited to read this book after just completing Twilight. I was a little disappointed however in the story line. It wasn't as exciting and actually took me a little longer to read than I had hoped, only because I couldn't pick it up (usually I have the opposite reaction). I still enjoy the series and the story but can wait until the third book comes out in paperback to continue reading the saga.

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The Last Templar - Raymond Khoury

2008-12-29T14:54:00.001-08:00

The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I have walked by this book in Borders so many times and each time I wanted to pick it up and read it, one of those books that keeps calling to you type of thing. Well the husband and I were about to embark on a very long road trip that I picked it up as I thought he would enjoy it as well. We began listening to it and it keep putting my husband and I to sleep so we would turn it off talk for a little and then turn it on again. Needless to say, it was a little painful to listen to.

The author wasn't very original in his writing as it might as well have been a direct copy from 'The DaVinci Code'; smart guy, smart girl, professor, assistant, etc. Even the plot was close to the same. We stopped after 10 discs and don't know if we can move on to complete it. The book was so wordy and drawn-out I think I've heard enough.

Also if you have this in the audiobook form the narrator isn't that great either.

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Twilight - Stephanie Meyer

2008-12-01T10:47:00.001-08:00

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was quite amazed and surprised. I was fighting the "fad" to read these books, but I started reading and couldn't stop - I'm on the second one (haven't had time) and am in love with her writing style and the feeling and passion she is able to convey between the characters. They come alive as you read and you really become engrossed in their lives. Great Read!

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Royal Target - Traci Hunter Abramson

2008-11-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

Royal Target by Traci Hunter Abramson

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Although it's hard for me to sometimes read "church fiction" - this book I really enjoyed listening too. It has great depth and an excellent plot. The characters are well done and parts of me are almost wishing she would turn this book into a series. I love the movie like feel of the book and enjoyed the many different levels the book was written on. I hated when I arrived to my destinations and had to turn it off only to wait a period of time before I could begin listening again. It truly is a modern fairy-tale and an exciting "read". The only part I didn't care for was the reader. She spoke to quickly and made you feel rushed while you were listening.

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Death Perception - Victoria Laurie

2008-11-10T10:00:00.001-08:00

Death Perception by Victoria Laurie

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I L-O-V-E all of Victoria's series. Physic Eye is my favorite out of the two. This new book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. Her wit and humor are great. She keeps the profanity out (except a sentence towards the end) - and as for "romance" I can't remember a time where there was any. I love her plot lines and the character depth. I would recommend these books to anyone who likes a little fun and a great mystery! I can't wait for her next book, in Sept 2009

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Stephanie Plum Series

2008-11-07T12:58:00.001-08:00

Update: I will no longer be reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, although they have cute plots there is too much sexuality and profanity in them for me to read. I thought maybe her writing style would change, but it hasn't.

Three To Get Deadly - Janet Evanovich

2008-11-04T11:50:00.001-08:00

Three To Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
While reading this book I caught myself chuckling to myself. I eventually got used to people giving weird looks to the lady who is laughing hysterically to herself. I really enjoy this series and one day hope to be caught up to where I have to wait for the next book to arrive. The plot was much easier to follow in this book unlike "Two For The Dough". This book however was a bit more crude and I'm hoping the next ones are a little more humorous than *insert adjective here*. I am however in love with Lula, the new ex-hooker character that befriends Stephanie and gives just that little extra needed umph to the series.
I do wish however that Janet decides to start being creative in the use of her characters personality instead of shockingly always over the edge. And maybe clean up the language, some, maybe a lot.

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Two For The Dough - Janet Evanovich

2008-11-03T09:59:00.001-08:00

Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I really enjoy these little humor/mystery/romance books. I wish she didn't feel the need to swear in every other paragraph, I'm sure her characters can be smarter than that. But they don't have as much sex as other books that are in this same genre which is nice, yet the fact that it is still there is kinda, well more of an annoyance.

I enjoy her story lines, and I feel as though after just reading 2 books that Stephanie and I could be good friends. Is it strange to consider yourself a friend to a protagonist in a book? I do feel however that in this particular book the plot is a little confusing and I re-read part of it over and over again trying to figure it out, and then decided to just give up and follow the 'love line' plot until it made sense.

It was a nice brainless read. Hope her next ones that I still have yet to read are a little less confusing.

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Jemima J - Jane Green

2008-09-20T18:38:00.001-07:00

Jemima J: A Novel About Ugly Ducklings and Swans by Jane Green

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book, that is until I reached the middle of one of the pages in the 200's. It was free of vulgarity, profanity, and innuendos until then. After that I had a hard time reading it and pretty much just skipped to the end to find out what happened as I LOVED the book so much. I related to Jemima Jones aka "JJ" and the struggles she faced and it has given me new motivation in accomplishing new things and things for myself. I really enjoyed this read I just wish those 'certain' parts were left out, would have made it a ton better, especially how the relationship ended up with her LA hunk. Very unrealistic and very much uncalled for in description, it could have been defiantly cleaner but I still loved it.

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Relentless - Clair Poulson

2008-09-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

This novel is a good and simple, although at some parts it was difficult and exasperating, too. Here's an author with a powerful story to tell, superb timing, a great plot, authentic background, and likable, believable characters who could have easily turned a "good" book into a "fantastic" book by paying better attention to basic writing technique. Far too many times the reader must re-read sections to discover who thought or said something. Poulson does not stick to one point-of-view through an entire scene, which leaves the reader confused. In fact, the author seems confused as to what actually constitutes a complete scene.

He also leaves you hanging, and not the good kind. He gets you involved in one of the characters/hostages life and how much the main character Erica cares for him and then all of a sudden the little boy is gone from the story. You have to use your imagination to fill this in. He has too many side stories that get you lost from the main point of view and the main plot of the story. It was a fast read, but a bit difficult at times.

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Standoff - Jeff Downs

2008-09-12T20:22:00.001-07:00

Standoff: A Novel of Suspense by Jeff Downs

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
What to say. It was a short yet keep you on the edge of your seat type of book. It was quick yet clear. I enjoyed this book and appreciated the quick yet suspenseful read.

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Fablehave - Brandon Mull

2008-09-08T09:02:00.001-07:00

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was fun! I enjoyed reading this young adult tale, the first in a series about hidden exotic wildlife preserves and the special caretakers who live on them. Fablehaven isn't like any preserve you've ever heard of! All the creatures that reside here - and the dozens of preserves like it spread across the globe - are just as dangerous as they are endangered and just as hard to see as they are hard to believe in! Although a little dose of special milk really puts a spin on things... Fablehaven is home to all the fantastical, mystical creatures one would associate with, well, fable. Many of the classical creatures of myth and fantasy lore abide here, including naiads, trolls, ogres, fairies, imps, satyrs and many more, both seen and hinted at. All of it not only right here in the good ol' US of A, but just over there in Connecticut! Brandon Mull's debut novel (2006 was quite the year for first-time authors, eh?) is a well-written piece of creativity that will enthrall children and interest adults. A tale of discovery and courage, it encompasses the comparison of many things: the results of having rules - too strictly following them and too blatantly disregarding them; the consequences of choice - the differences between self-interest, self-preservation, self-pity and self-lessness; the onus of opportunity - a study of the two-edged sword of opportunity that gives freedom and demands responsibility.

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Currently Reading

2008-09-04T09:48:00.001-07:00

I will have reviews for Fablehaven, Jemima J, and Forget About up by Monday.

School of Fortune - Amanda Brown

2008-07-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

I have had this book since December and I have finally completed it!

School of Fortune by Amanda Brown

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
It took me a while to read this book, at no fault of the books. The beginning took awhile to get through, after about the first couple of chapters (the end of the wedding) things start to pick up take place and get interesting. It has great, witty, funny, and sometimes downright so stupid it's funny humor. It is a great summertime read and I will read it again in a few years from now.

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Chasing Harry Winson - Lauren Weisberger

2008-07-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was the first title by Ms. Weisberger that I have ever read. I was excited as I've heard nothing but great reviews about her few few publications, therefore I went into this book with a high expectation only to be let down. I almost gave up on this book which I hardly ever do. It finally started getting interesting enough around half way into it. I was disappointed with the slow moving plot of the story. There was no tie in to the book title that I could figure out, I was left confused at how the title actually tied into the book.

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Watermelon - Marian Keyes

2008-07-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Watermelon by Marian Keyes

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book by Keyes that I have read. I enjoyed her writing style. She is very to the point and real. This was a more serious book, a little bit of humor but I throughly enjoyed it.

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A Modest Proposal - Michele Ashman Bell

2008-06-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

To start off I found this article that Ms. Bell wrote about this book, and thought it would be great to include it here:

"I got the idea for this series as I sat at book signings and marveled at how many of the wonderful women I met were either with, or talked about, their women friends and/or family, their support group, so to speak. As I realized this I began asking women about it. Nearly all of them had a group they were very close to. Either it was sisters and sisters-in-law, or friends from school, from their ward, work or neighborhood. I love this about women and wanted to write a series based on this. My story is about five friends in high school who experience a traumatic incident on graduation day that bonds them together for life. They realize that they are all heading out into the world, going their own directions, and they wanted to stay in touch. So they promise to meet once a year and have a reunion. The book skips ahead to when they are turning thirty and picks up on where they are in their lives. Each book in the series will be the story of one of the women in the group. The first book, A Modest Proposal, tells about Lauryn, who becomes a dress designer in New York and is convinced that she can design high fashion clothes that are still modest. I chose this theme because I have daughters and we get frustrated with this all the time. It’s difficult to find clothes, especially prom dresses, that are beautiful and stylish, but also modest. My book is dedicated to all the moms and daughters who have spent time in dressing rooms crying because they are so frustrated."

I have recently found this "friend group" as I call it, and related to this book in it's entirety. I hope that as my friends and I grow we can remain in touch and share those special yet hard moments of our lives with each other.

One For The Money - Janet Evanovich

2008-06-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

I picked up this book about 4 years ago to read, and just couldn't quite get into it so a few months ago as I was pursuing the library (why I feel the need to go to the library when I have 170 some unread books at my house I have no idea) and came across the first three of her books in one big book, I picked it up and started reading, and kept reading and kept reading til I had finished this first book. I decided I liked it so much that I went to the library returned the book and wen to the book store to buy them. Stephanie Plum is so lovable and real it's hard to put this book down. I really like books that I can relate to in some ways and feel as though I know the character. Ms. Evanovich writes so clean and real that it's hard not to feel as though you are part of Stephanie's life. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

Prince Caspian - CS Lewis

2008-06-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

I didn't find this one to be as good as the first. I enjoyed its read, it went quickly. I didn't find as much symbolism in this one maybe it is because I didn't look for it. The characters were still developed strongly and you felt as if you were growing and had grown with them. I look forward to reading Dawn Treader next, hopefully it is a bit more inspiring to me.

The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe - CS Lewis

2008-06-17T07:56:00.001-07:00

I actually thought these books were going to be an annoying set of children fantasy, which in a way they are. But after crying through parts of this book, (which is first in the set according to when CS Lewis wrote them) I realized I could read this book a hundred times and learn something new, and how wonderful is that? I am amazed at Lewis' writing abilities and the knowledge and passion that he had for life in general. I am stunned at his 'knowledge' of the plan of salvation and the life and purpose of our Savior, it all comes through so very adamantly and plainly in this book. There are so many coincidences and analogies and symbolisms that I won't go into them here, but I am so excited to finish this series so I can read it again. It is absolutely brilliant.

Remember Me - Sophie Kinsella

2008-04-09T09:10:00.001-07:00

I have always enjoyed reading her books, they are: funny, romantic, and have a serious side. I would rate her previous books as PG-13, this one I would have to give it an R. She seems to be getting cruder which disapoints me greatly as she has been one of my favorite girly book author. The plot of this book is rather cute and exciting, as a brief synopsis I would say watch the movie below, by Sophie.

Diamondback Cave - K.L. Fogg

2008-03-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

I was very excited to find out that this book had been released! I absolutely loved the first two books in this series, even though they are children's books, they are amazing. I have this series as an audio series and the narrator is wonderful, David Walker. I really enjoy KL Fogg's writing style, but feel she crammed too much stuff into this last book. I think she could've written 2 very great novels with the information she shoved into this one. All in all it was a wonderful series that I will defiantly read again.

Mirror Image - Clair Poulson

2008-03-17T14:44:00.001-07:00

This was a good thrilling read. It had some really great twists to it, I think it could've had a little more depth.

Meet Your Match - Stephanie Fowers

2008-03-09T18:46:00.001-07:00

To be honest when I first started reading this book I really wasn't into it. I thought it was going to be a poorly written book about the single life as a "old" member of the church and student of BYU. So I started it with a bad attitude and in a way was just reading it to read it. As I started to get approxamatly halfway through I realized this is a pretty good book. It was very cleverly written, character depth was great, and the plot was wonderful. I would recommend this book to everyone for a fun light read.

Digital Fortress - Brown

2008-03-09T18:30:00.001-07:00

I have two feelings on this book. And they are very different.

1. I loved the plot and the story line, the excitement was there. I throughly enjoyed the read from beginning until the almost end. The action was there, the character depth I thought was done pretty well, I do believe that it could have been done a bit better for some of the characters. I would have liked Susan to have more depth and I would've liked Nathan Hale to have more of a likeable personality at the beginning, I wasn't too fond of how that all played out.

2. I really was upset with the whole "underlying" plot of Commander Strathmore. I won't ruin it for those who haven't read it but it was so frustrating!

Sorry that this review isn't as long as the others in the past I have been a bit busy. The next ones to follow shall be longer.

Who Moved My Cheese

2008-02-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

I understand that a lot of people aren't big fans of this book as it simply seems to lead people to believe that everyone should just accept change for what it is worth and not think about it, which I think is wrong in a way. But after reading this book, it is all in what you take or understand from it, it is just a story about change and not how we could live our lives or what the "best thing" for us to do might be. There are four characters in the book which I won't go into details on but they are: Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw.

I realized from this book that I should accept change more than I do and look for the warning signs of change in our lives so that we can be prepared. I also learned from this book that we should think through and evaluate change and the different ways that we can approach it. I thought this book was very thought provoking and advise anyone to read it especially those that need a new outlook on change.

Reading Goal

2008-01-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

I have a goal this year to read all the unread books on my list plus any others that may suddenly appear in my hands at the book store when they hold me hostage and tell me to buy them, those also I will read. Hopefully it will be 200 total. I will be deleting the books that I read up until January off of my reading list.

Shopaholic and Baby - Sophie Kinsella

2008-01-21T16:30:00.001-08:00

Ever since I picked up "Confessions of a Shopaholic" when it first came out, Sophie Kinsella has been an author that I really enjoy reading. Her heroine Becky Bloomwood (now Brandon) was so much fun to read about with her constant shopping and worries and obsession over stupid things. I enjoyed the different take that this book had over her past others of, 'What will happen to Beckys spending now, how will she manage to get out of debt, will Luke find out that she spent all the money, but "Shopaholic and Baby" has something different to give.

In this installment of the series Becky isn't obsessing over some stupid little thing and making a mountain out of a molehill. The crisis in "Shopaholic and Baby" is that Becky's must-see celebrity OBGYN, Venetia Carter is Luke's ex-girlfriend, and she believes that Luke might be cheating on her with the doctor. And she has good reasons to think so. Any woman in her position would think so. Because she's having these worries, this total justified panic about secret phone texts in Latin and Luke not being where he says he is when he goes out alone, when she's very pregnant, it's not funny, it's sad and miserable. You can really feel Becky's pain and panic about Luke's possible infidelity and unlike the other books, where she would worry about her wedding or something, it's not funny. Sophie really does a great job of bringing your emotions into the book and that is something that I enjoy. Don't get me wrong there are still plenty of "Becky" moments to keep you laughing throughout the book.

An enjoyable rainy day read, as long as you read the other ones first.

The Da Vinci Code

2008-01-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

I have recently just finished reading The Da Vinci Code, yes I am a little behind as the world had this big drama over this book while I was on my mission. It all started when Douglas brought home the PS2 video game to play, we started playing and I was curious as to part of the side story. He told me that he had the audio book, it took me a couple of weeks to finish listening to it while driving back and forth from work. It was great though. I really enjoyed the book. I think that Dan Brown did great with character development and the story line was amazing. I am a symbol enthusiast at heart. I own many books that are all about symbols from and in all forms. A lot of people in this world took this book as non-fiction and that is not what it is, it is an idea, a lot of different theories that I have read up on and looked into myself, and I think it is a really well written book, it kept my attention, accurate, and a great suspenseful read or listen in my case. I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes to feel as though they are part of the story.

Something Blue - Emily Giffin

2007-11-27T21:25:00.001-08:00

As the second (sequel) to Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed I was equally drawn into this novel as well. Something Blue is an interesting writing approach to being a counterpart. Something Blue takes off from essentially where Something Borrowed left off but instead with another person as the main character. Seeing the story through Darcy's eyes definitely gave it a new spin - I unexpectedly took a liking to Darcy, especially since at the beginning of the book I was feeling as though I don't want to read this through her point of view. But I quickly got caught up in the book and seeing it from her side... I guess it is true, although cliche, that every story has at least two sides. I fell in love with yet more warm and realistically likable characters in this novel.

The story kicks in when Darcy visits an old friend, Ethan, in London. At first she’s the same old girl who drinks alcohol despite being pregnant, spends all of her money on designer clothes that won’t fit in two months time and bullies the introverted Ethan into letting her stay longer.

Of course, this isn’t much of a story so far, and the crux of this book is seeing how Darcy changes and develops into an all-round more lovable person. Her story is one of sadness that ultimately becomes hope.

Last Man Standing - David Baldacci

2007-11-27T21:09:00.001-08:00

This book took a little bit of time before I began to really grasp the story line, it is an excellent story, but written in a very scattered way. Webb London is a tough but tender-hearted hero who through difficult times of learning of his own life has to deal with the dirty dealings in the nation's bureaucracy. It truly is what I would call a roller-coaster plot. Webb London, a member of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), froze up on a drug raid and thus became the sole survivor of a remote-controlled ambush that killed six of his compatriots. Now the only witness has disappeared and the inside man on the botched raid has gone underground.

As a pretty psychiatrist puzzles over the corners of Web's brain that kept him alive, Web himself stays on the move. He's certain that the ambush is connected to the prison escape of a neofascist leader, Ernest B. Free, whom he helped arrest five years earlier, and a series of new murders leads him to a Virginia horse farm and the driving force behind all the carnage.

I wasn't a fan of most of the character base in this book, but it does offer a thrilling read and keeps you going until the end.

Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin

2007-11-17T08:51:00.001-08:00

In reading this book I found myself actually feeling like a part of the book myself. Emily has a way to include you in her story line, I am very excited to read the next couple of books in this series and hopefully she will write more in the same series or branch off into another one.

Something Borrowed is told from the perspective of Rachel, an average woman struggling with life after turning thirty. Rachel works in a law firm while living in New York City along with her best friend, Darcy. At the thirtieth birthday party of her best friend, who happens to be stunningly beautiful, very successful and engaged, the very average Rachel commits the ultimate betrayal with Dex, Darcy's fiancee.

But at the end is a surprising twist that leaves you aching for more, to further yourself along in the story.

Throughout the novel, I was intrigued by the encounters between Rachel and Darcy, and between Darcy and Dex, and found myself wondering, "Will Darcy find out Rachel's secret and will the plain Jane come out on top for once?" Rachel confides in one person, her childhood friend, Ethan, who currently resides in London. The characters and personalities that come to life are real, wonderful, and captivating.

Crime Seen - Victoria Laurie

2007-11-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

I love Victoria Laurie's' Physic Eye Series! This book was no exception to that or to the series itself. I have enjoyed all of her books and the first 4 every book kept getting better and better! I was although a little disappointed with this one, there was less mystery and more romance, don't get me wrong I love the mystery romance novels but I liked how she kept the romance kinda a mystery as well, it's like the heart of the book was romance with a little mystery, I much preferred it the other way around.

Her character, Abby Cooper, is a psychic around the Detroit area, and she has this gorgeous hunk of a boyfriend Dutch, who is FBI - Abby is recuperating from her gunshot wound at Dutch's house - She is upset her 'Crew' (her guides on the Other Side who help her psychically) didn't warn her that she was going to be shot. She shuts down and temporarily stops her career - But in a great move, Dutch asks for her help in some cases he is working on - That is a huge move for Dutch - at first he was skeptical - Great to see him progress as well - Abby goes undercover to find clues to unravel Dutch's case - dangerous work - and exciting!

List of Books To Read...

2007-10-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone... here it is the long list of books that I have that I need to read. In no particular order, just how I see them on my bookshelf:

Son of a Witch - Gregory Maguire
Little Lady, Big Apple - Hestor Browne
Book of the Dead - Patricia Cornwell
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
Emma - Jane Austen
Persuasion - Jane Austen
Mansfield Park - Jane Austen
Lady Susan - Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen
Too Good to Be True - Taunia L. Bean
A House Divided - N.C. Allen
To Make Men Free - N.C. Allen
One Nation Under God - N.C. Allen
Through the Perilous Fight - N.C. Allen
Ashley & Jen - Jack Weyland
Tangled Roots - G.G. Vandagriff
Don't Close Your Eyes - Betsy Brannon Green
Never Look Back - Betsy Brannon Green
Perfect Shot - O'Brien
Rewind - Jeff Downs
Standoff - Jeff Downs
Chaos - Jeff Downs
Lost Without You - Annette Lyon
Wrongly Accused - Hunter
Pursuit of Justice - Lynne Gardner
Choosing Mr. Right - Jennifer Stewart Griffith
My Not So Fairy Tale Life - Julie Wright
Saving Kristen - Jack Weyland
Grave Secrets - Austin
False Pretenses - Carole Thayne
A Love Like Lilly - Magnum
The Heart Only Knows - Kerry Blair
The Heart Has Forever - Kerry Blair
The Heart Has Its Reason - Kerry Blair
This Just In - Kerry Blair
Closing In - Kerry Blair
Meet Your Match - Fowers
The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
Tennis Shows Among the Nephites - Heimerdinger
Gadiantons and the Silver Sword - Heimerdinger
The Feathered Serpent
The Feathered Serpent pt 2 - Heimerdinger
The Sacred Quest - Heimerdinger
Tower of Thunder - Heimerdinger
Kingdoms and Conquerors - Heimerdinger
The Return - Marcum
Land Divided - Marcum
A New Dawn - Marcum
Of Goodly Parents - Moore
A Light in the Wilderness - Moore
Towards the Promised Land - Moore
Celestial Symbols - Barber
Jesus the Christ - Talmage
The History of Joseph Smith - Lucy Mack Smith
Emma and Joseph - Jones
The Infinite Atonement - Callister
Trusting Jesus - Jeffrey R. Holland
Savior and Serpent - Gaskill
Isaiah for Airheads - Bytheway
Josephus - Whiston
The Gate of Heaven - Brown
Gethsemane - Skinner
Golgotha - Skinner
The Garden Tomb - Skinner
Eve and The Choice Made In Eden - Campbell
Eve and The Mortal Journey - Campbell
"Not My Will, But Thine" - Maxwell
Faith, The Essence of True Religion - Hinckley
Old Testament and Related Studies - Hugh Nibley
The World and the Prophets - Hugh Nibley
An Approach to the Book of Mormon - Hugh Nibley
Approaching Zion - Hugh Nibley
The Ancient State - Hugh Nibley
Temple and Cosmos - Hugh Nibley
Doctrines of the Gospel
Presidents of the Church
Old Testament pt 1
Old Testament pt 2
Church History
Judgment In Death - J.D. Robb
Betrayal In Death - J.D. Robb
School of Fortune - Amanda Brown
Something Borrowed - Emily Griffin
The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks
Eragon - Paolini
Eldest - Paolini
Myth Adventures - Robert Asprin
Myth Adventures pt 2 -Robert Asprin
Maskerade - Terry Pratchett
Wyrd Sisters - Terry Pratchett
Magician - Raymond E. Fiest
Lords and Ladies - Terrry Pratchett
Crime Seen - Victoria Laurie
Killer Hair - Ellen Byerrum
Wicked - Gregory Maquire
Baptists At Our Barbeque - Robert Smith

So there is the list, any suggestions as to what to read first? Or just grab one and go for it?

Cocktails for Three

2007-09-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

Madeleine Wickham is most famously known for her Shopaholic series which she wrote under the pen name as, Sophie Kinsella. She carries the same type of humor through this book as she did the Shopaholic series, except for this one has many sad moments that I wasn't expecting from this type of book. It begins with 3 women who work in different departments at the Londoner but meet at the beginning of each month to tell tales and share cocktails. Maggie, the soon to be mom and current editor; Roxanne, the freelance review writer who is the mistress to a man who is having an affair; and Candice, the naive, sweet, innocent writer who tries to help everyone in life... and ends up, well I'll let you figure that out. I enjoyed the book but wish it had a "prequel" so to speak. The beginning feels as though you have missed the first book and/or starting to read right in the middle of one. This plotline is not very well established and I for one feel that she could have made a whole series and should have done so, instead of cramming it all into one book, without many details. But all in all it was a good read, not as fuuny or witty as her other books, this one has a more serious tone to it.

You Had Me At Halo

2007-09-17T21:11:00.001-07:00

I absolutely LOVED this book! It has been a long time since I have read such a well written fun loving "girlie" book! Holly Evans is a lovely woman who works at a meaningless position at a big company where no one even knows her name except for her best friend Gemma and her boyfriend Todd. I won't ruin the great twists in the fun to read romance comedy, but as a little description: Holly finds herself dead, kicked out of Heaven, and needs to find the person who killed her within 48 hours, all while coping with being in a mans body, trying to convince her boyfriend, Todd, that she didn't commit suicide. I would defiantly recommend this book to any female. Amanda Ashby does a terrific job of writing, she uses a plot I have never read or heard of anyone using. So for a casual book to uplift your spirits this is a must.

You Had Me At Halo

2007-09-15T20:50:00.001-07:00

So I apparently didn't get around to this last night, and as tomorrow is my one year anniversary, I won't be doing anything with it until Monday evening! :) Look foward to it. The first book I will be reviewing is

A New Begining

2007-09-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

So I have been reading a lot lately, A LOT! So I figure why not write a review on the books that I read? I haven't decided of a starting point of if I want to start with the (3) books I'm currently reading. Tonight I will make my first official entry and partial review!